Crawley MP gets backing from Home Secretary on counter-terrorism policy

SUS-150217-160345001

Published:06:14Monday 09 March 2015

Crawley MP Henry Smith has received backing from the Home Secretary in the House of Commons regarding counter-terrorism policy measures.

Mr Smith said: “Given the fact that Gatwick Airport is in our town, it is of vital importance that the correct security measures are in place for intra-EU flights, as well as those coming outside of the European Union.

“I regularly meet with the Home Secretary on a range of matters including counter-terrorism. I am also pleased to have her support in bringing the Prevent programme to Crawley.”

Home Secretary Theresa May confirmed she had been discussing the need for intra-EU passenger name record (PNR) checks and the idea had support from a number of countries.

Mr Smith said in the House of Commons: “I commend my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary for the diligence she has shown in introducing various Prevent programmes to Crawley. Gatwick airport is also in my constituency, so can she say a little more about passenger name record checks for intra-EU flights, not just for those coming from outside the EU?”

The Home Secretary replied: “The whole question of exchanging passenger name records for intra-EU flights is one that I and others have been putting forward in the debate in the European Union arena for some time now. I am pleased to say that other member states have recognised the need for an EU PNR directive.

“I regularly meet with the Home Secretary on a range of matters including counter-terrorism. I am also pleased to have her support in bringing the Prevent programme to Crawley.”

“It was one of the issues referred to at the recent European Council meeting. I am clear that any such directive should include the exchange of PNR for intra-EU flights. Failing that, it is open to member states to undertake bilateral agreements to that effect.”